Loving My Mate

Luna Authority

I’ve been texting Brighton all day, but no reply’s.  It’s taking everything in me not to storm to her house or go in wolf form to sniff her out.  Mark isn’t too far away, making sure I don’t go after her as well.  I can’t focus on my work so I have just been pacing around the pack house all day.  I’m in the living room when mom comes out towards the kitchen. 

“We are having dinner with Alpha Nathan and his family at the Roosevelt at 7pm.  Dress code business casual,” she states as a matter of fact.  I am not going near Tara again.  f**k no. 

“Count me out mom.  You know what happened.  Why would we even entertain that family after what Tara did?” 

“Crimes of the daughter are not the crimes of the family.  We are keeping peace and you WILL attend the dinner.” 

I sigh in frustration.  Mom is right, but I’m not going to hide my disdain for that stupid shewolf.  She better not even look in my direction.  As my mom is fiddling with pots and pans in the kitchen, it dawns on me that she and Brighton are close.  “Have you heard from Brighton mom? Is she okay?”

She turns around and gives me a small smile.  “She’s fine honey.  She’ll be at dinner tonight, like she said.” 

“Are you going to give me any other information than that?” 

“Nope.  You know I like my daughter more than my son.”  She starts laughing and I give her a small smile.  It’s true.  Brighton being part of my family is everything and it makes me smile that she’s the favorite.  At least I know she’s alright and that’s enough to get me through the afternoon.  Mostly.

__________________________

We are all being seated in a private dining area in the restaurant.  Mark, my dad, mom, Nathan, his luna, and Tara.  Brighton hasn’t arrived yet and I’m getting anxious to see her.  I purposely left a seat open between me and Mark and I hope I don’t get disappointed. 

While the waiter taking our drink orders, Alpha Nathan decides to start the conversation, clearing seeing that there’s an elephant in the room, but unaware of what.   “I thank you Alpha Steven for treating us to dinner- it was definitely unnecessary.”  

“Nonsense, it was our future luna’s idea, Brighton…. she should be here any minute now.”  It was Brighton’s idea.  Even the mention of her name perks my attention up 

“Oh how is the dear?  I heard she’s quite beautiful and a very talented artist,” Nathan’s luna politely adds.

“She’s the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever known.  You would be honored to be in her presence,”  I said with a sneer looking at Tara who just glares at me.   It turns silent again, only the sounds of throats clearing, not understanding the situation.  Mom said to keep the peace, so I can’t flat out say what I really want to say.

Everyone receives their drink except Tara.  “Excuse me, but I ordered the---"

“Sorry I’m late everyone!”

I jerk my head up to see a smiling Brighton. She looks stunning in a high waisted pencil skirt and silky tank, showing off her smooth tan arms and neck.  The heels she chose are just high enough for sophistication.  Her hair is styled in a curly up do that encases her soft facial features.  She’s radiating confidence and I’m a loss for words. 

She stands behind the chair beside me.  “Alpha Nathan, luna, I apologize for my tardiness. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”  She goes to my parents and kisses them on the cheek, and hugs Mark.  She finally looks at me and smiles.  She then places a hand on my cheek and kisses me softly.  I wasn’t quick enough to pull her in and she goes to sit in her chair.  She grabs my hand that’s in my lap and squeezes it, glancing at me with an assured smile.  Everything in me relaxes in that moment.  I know we are okay. 

The waiter comes out and takes Brighton’s drink order, and not even a minute later places it on her spot.

“Excuse me!  I haven’t had my drink yet,” Tara shouts, clearly irritated.

The waiter ignores her and before Alpha Nathan can chime in on the staff, Brighton startles everyone by speaking out first. “I apologize Alpha Nathan.  This is a dinner sponsored by me and my welcomed guests.  I don’t want to sound rude, but your daughter is not a welcomed guest in our household.”

My eyes bug out as Mark chokes on his drink.  I look around and see pride in my dad’s eyes and my mom smirking.  Alpha Nathan and his wife look pissed.  But she doesn’t stop there.

“Are you aware of what your daughter did, Alpha Nathan, in my home?”

He turns to Tara who’s glaring daggers at Brighton, but turning red from embarrassment.  “She threw herself at my mate, made multiple advances.  And despite his dislodging, she even stooped so low to try to set him up, to make me think he would cheat on me.  I don’t know what was taught to her, but at Opus moon, we treasure our mates and respect the relationships forge by the moon goddess.  And even if they weren’t mates, anyone in a serious relationship should have that respect. I don’t want to cause any issues, but your daughter was out of line, and I do not wish to see her on our territory from this day forth.”

The amount of pride I have for Brigh right now is through the roof.  I can feel her shaking from the connection of our hands and I squeeze to give her comfort.  I need her to know I am with her every step of the way.  “I’m sorry Alpha Nathan.  It’s for the best that she returns home as soon as possible.”

“Daddy! They’re lying! I would never do th—"

“I can provide video footage if needed.  I always have cameras set in my office in times of need.”

Tara goes still at that announcement and her dad looks at her with fury.  Her mother is completely shocked.  Tara’s head is bowed and it seems we have a win in our corner. 

“Tara.  Get a taxi and go to the pack house and pack.  We’ll send you home tonight.”

“But da-“

“NOW!” 

She gets up and walks out of the restaurant without glancing back.  “Luna Brighton, my most sincere apologies.” Nathan’s mate states. 

“You have nothing to apologize for luna.  Respect is earned and you and your mate have proved to run a most advantageous pack.  We cannot fault you for your daughter’s actions.  I hope we can continue this dinner without ill will.” 

“Of course Luna.”

Dinner went well after that.  There was light discussions about brighton’s seminars and her art while she was away.  The women talked about the counseling center and its foundation, and the men discussed more trade deals.  The whole time, our hands were either intertwined, or on each others thigh.  She would sneak shy side glances at me, and all I want to do is take her home and ravage her. 

At the end of the meal, Alpha Nathan and his wife apologized once again, but there was no need.  We all stood outside, bidding farewells.  I stepped back, admiring my mate as she said goodbye to my parents.  The confidence she displayed today only enhanced her beauty, and I’m happy to watch her grow into her luna role.  She walked towards me and stood beside me.  I told Mark to take Brighton’s car home, so it would be just me and her.  It was time for Brighton and I to talk.